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- Tasks: Join a team ensuring safety and security for detainees in court settings.
- Company: Be part of a vital service within the justice system, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, life insurance, and health support perks.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience while contributing to justice and supporting others.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed; just a commitment to making a difference.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with a supportive team culture focused on diversity.
The predicted salary is between 23402 - 23402 £ per year.
Location: Oxford Crown or Magistrates Court
Salary: £23,402 per annum
Permanent roles offering job stability & security.
Working as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) is more than just a role—it’s an opportunity to be part of a professional team that plays a vital role in the justice system, ensuring safety and security every day.
We also offer:
- Base Salary of £23,402 (35hrs pw).
- Continuous training & development opportunities, with annual base salary increments (year 2 - £23,984 / year 3 - £24,436 / year 4 - £24,890).
- Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance; 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus Bank Holidays.
- A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and Dental Plans.
- Access to a range of discounts and exclusive deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure, Retail and Hospitality discounts.
- A supportive team & culture where you’ll get the chance to make a positive difference in a company passionate about diversity and inclusion.
We are operational 24/6 and you’ll cover various early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexibility is key as due to the nature of the role there are a range of different working arrangements & additional hours. There will be days when your finishing time could be unpredictable; however, we operate a rota basis (provided 12 weeks in advance) that allows you the flexibility to enjoy meaningful time off.
About the Role:
As a PCO at our court, you’ll work as part of a team to provide safe and secure escorting and custody services to detainees, focusing on maintaining their physical and mental wellbeing. During court proceedings, you’ll be responsible for every aspect of detainee management until it’s time for them to return to custody or be released.
Key duties include:
- Escorting defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other areas within the court, including accompanying them to the toilet to ensure security and safety.
- Monitoring and supervising detainees while they are in the docks during court sessions, ensuring they remain secure and do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
- Maintaining discretion and confidentiality regarding sensitive and confidential information discussed during court proceedings.
- Being prepared to listen to harrowing and distressing testimonies and evidence while maintaining professionalism.
- Ensuring that detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day, catering to any dietary requirements or restrictions.
- Monitoring the mental and physical health of detainees, providing support and reporting any concerns to the appropriate authorities.
- Ensuring the safety and security of the court environment, including responding to any incidents or emergencies that may arise.
- Conducting thorough searches of property and individuals to prevent contraband from entering secure areas.
- Completing necessary paperwork and data entry accurately, including logging detainee movements, incidents, and any other relevant information.
- Working closely with other court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals to ensure smooth and secure court operations.
What you need to do the job!
Our current PCOs come to us with different work & life experiences; what matters is that you’re committed to making a difference to the lives of others – the rest you will learn during your 5 1/2-weeks training course and through our experienced colleagues.
Ideally, you’ll have a current valid driver's license, be reasonably fit and have good written and verbal communications skills. This role requires a high level of responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care.
Our Assessment Process:
- Briefing call to assess eligibility.
- Competency based Virtual Interview.
- Short role-play and written exercise.
Additional Information:
All roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and all offers of employment are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and satisfactory employment references.
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules, as it does not meet the required salary or skill level criteria.
Contact Detail:
Reed.co.uk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prisoner Custody Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the court system and the role of a Prisoner Custody Officer. Understanding the environment you'll be working in will help you feel more confident during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the competency-based virtual interview by practising common situational questions. Think about how you would handle challenging situations, as this role requires a high level of professionalism and care.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills during the assessment process. Being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and effectively is crucial in managing detainees and working with other court staff.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that highlight your dedication to the role and the justice system.
We think you need these skills to ace Prisoner Custody Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Prisoner Custody Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key duties mentioned in the job description, such as escorting detainees and maintaining their wellbeing.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise your communication skills, ability to handle challenging situations, and any experience related to criminology or psychology.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for making a difference in the lives of others. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your commitment and suitability for the role.
Prepare for the Assessment Process: Familiarise yourself with the assessment process outlined in the job description. Practice competency-based interview questions and prepare for the role-play and written exercise to showcase your skills effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reed.co.uk
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Prisoner Custody Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key duties, such as escorting detainees and maintaining their wellbeing, so you can speak confidently about how your skills align with these tasks.
✨Demonstrate Professionalism
During the interview, showcase your ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism. Share examples from your past experiences where you've maintained composure under pressure, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Highlight your written and verbal communication skills. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage interactions with detainees and other court staff, ensuring clarity and understanding in potentially sensitive situations.
✨Show Commitment to Wellbeing
Express your commitment to the physical and mental wellbeing of detainees. Discuss any relevant experiences or training that demonstrate your ability to support individuals in distress, as this is a vital aspect of the role.
